NC Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage Training

Can’t wait!

“I really liked learning how to balance and use my body differently and not need the bars. It’s actually tremendously opened up my awareness of options in ankle and foot and toe rolling instead of just rocking, twisting and gliding. “ -KK

I often say Fijian is cross training for Barefoot Therapists but it’s so much more than that. It’s flexibility in your practice. It’s going beyond the bars and beyond the treatment room. It’s deep, effective therapeutic approach to bodywork.

Join me with in June.

“I really liked learning how to balance and use my body differently and not need the bars. It’s actually tremendously opened up my awareness of options in ankle and foot and toe rolling instead of just rocking, twisting and gliding. “ -KK

I often say Fijian is cross training for Barefoot Therapists but it’s so much more than that. It’s flexibility in your practice. It’s going beyond the bars and beyond the treatment room. It’s deep, effective therapeutic approach to bodywork.

Join me with in June.

Great info for barefoot massage therapists!

𝗟𝗲𝘁'𝘀 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗧𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀! What works and what doesn't work for table-top Barefoot Massage?⁣
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Our classrooms are stocked with 32″ & 35″ Earthlite Spirits, and many of our instructors have one of the two versions of Earthlite Ellora’s in their treatment rooms.⁣
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There are also other tables that work great to stand on… if your table checks these following boxes, then it’s more than likely good for standing on during a Barefoot Massage:⁣
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↔️32″ wide OR WIDER⁣
🧱Double decking (2 or more layers of plywood under all the padding)⁣
🖼️Wide-set frame around the perimeter of the table⁣
🪜support beams that cross the width or length for better weight distribution⁣
💪Sturdy, Strong single long hinge @ center of table if portable (No extra moving parts)⁣
🔩2 k***s on each wooded leg if a portable table 🦿(Aluminum/metal portable tables are not safe)⁣
✂️Scissor lift if electric/hydraulic table (not center stand: these may wobble.)⁣
⚓500+ pound working weight capacity (different than static weight capacity)⁣
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𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸?⁣
🏗️Convertible Lift tables that are a hybrid of an electric lift frame with a flat-folded Portable table strapped on top 🚫ARE NOT SAFE and standing on them is not recommended by those manufacturers.⁣
🏛️Electric/Hydraulic tables with a pedestal lift: look for a ✂️scissor lift that distributes weight at various heughts to prevent tipping and motor performance issues.⁣
⚖️Tables with a tilt: the more moving parts the weaker the table is to stand on over time and may impact warranty claims⁣
🦿Aluminum/Metal legged portable tables: these may not sustain our diagonal vectors of pressure.⁣
🥅Lightweight portable tables with a hammock, net or mesh (non-wood) decking/platform: you will sink through the padding!⁣
🧚Skinny (less than 30″ wide tables) due to tip hazard and less area to safely stand⁣
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𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲? 𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴!

It’s a wrap! The first Fundamentals of 2024 was amazing.

We had therapists come all the way from Portland, Asheville, and a few Virginia lovers 😍 and of course NC representing.

The levels of experience ranged from 25 years to 8 months! But barefoot massage brought us all together. 👣🥰

Thanks ladies for allowing me to teach you. 🙏

This👣🙌🏽👍🏽

Just because you use your feet/foot to massage, & just because the word may literally translate to foot pressure, doesn't mean that it's "Ashiatsu."⁣
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The Center for Barefoot Massage has been working for years to not only normalize the phrase "Barefoot Massage", but also help to define it. There are a few massage FB groups discussing the definition of things like "Medical Massage", "Sports Massage" etc... well we'd like to discuss the definition of Barefoot Massage!⁣
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𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯:⁣
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𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗼𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀.⁣
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We actually want to step away from just using the solo word Ashiatsu - if it HAS to be used, then we'll use it with a qualifier such as "𝘔𝘺𝘰𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘈𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘴𝘶 𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘰𝘵 𝘔𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘨𝘦". ⁣
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It has been frustrating to see NCBTMB host an "𝘈𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘴𝘶" category but not a Barefoot Massage category. It's hard to see hashtags on massage posts where a foot is in action, but definitely not doing the traditional TCM Ashiatsu or westernized ashiatsu. It's also really gut wrenching to see so many styles of Barefoot Massage get called the 𝘈 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥 when they have their own history, lineage & legacy that is separate, unique + amazing in it's own way.⁣
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When hashtagging your posts, when educating your audience, when naming your services, please remember that 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗼𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝘀 "𝘼𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙨𝙪". Please, let's all do better and step up our terminology, >>>𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘥.

Embodiment means fully understanding or internalizing something, moving beyond just knowing it on the surface.

People often confuse gathering information with actually understanding and learning.

In our digital age, easy access to loads of data can make it seem like we know a lot, but it often leads to surface-level knowledge without deep understanding.

True learning requires actively engaging with information, not just collecting it, to build a profound connection and apply what we’ve learned.

Learning starts with a 3 day class we call Fundamentals. What you learn in a 3 day class should evolve as you practice it day after day.

AND it’s just one layer among MANY layers to be learned and understood far beyond class. Layers that may take years…and multiple classes even repeating classes.

understands embodiment well as we have 22 years of practicing barefoot massage and 16 years teaching it. And the learning never stops for us either!

Want to learn barefoot massage or advance your skills? We’d love to show you how. Check out our schedule

, we excel in , offering advanced courses for various therapeutic approaches whether its clinical, sports or relaxation.

Don’t miss the chance to elevate your practice. 💆🏽‍♂️👣

Get started in our April Fundamentals class. 2024 Durham campus schedule on our website

We finally made it happen! Jeni and I held our first pilot Clinical tract barefoot massage 👣💕🤓

Therapists learned how to use their feet and hands to treat chronic cervical pain issues such as whiplash and forward head position and how to use in 20-30 minute protocols or blend into a barefoot massage session.

Stay tuned for the clinical tract’s final NCBTMB approval and future dates!

*Prerequisites* : Barefoot massage therapists need to have completed our Intermediate & Advanced classes.

In the meantime, level up your barefoot massage skills and check out our 2024 barefoot massage training schedule or any of our instructors across the nation.

Such a great group for our 1st clinical tract class! Thanks for being our pilot barefooters 💕👣

"𝘛𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘬, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵..." -𝘋𝘳 𝘐𝘥𝘢 𝘙𝘰𝘭𝘧⁣
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This class has been in the works for a LONG time, almost 4 years Julie and I have been waiting for the stars (𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴) to align so we could run a pilot class: AND HERE IT IS!⁣
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These 7 Advanced FasciAshi Barefoot Massage Therapists, who have already attended our Intermediate and Advanced classes, just spent 1 day with us learning 𝟮𝟬 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝙂𝙀𝙏 𝙏𝙊 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙋𝙊𝙄𝙉𝙏 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲! Easy stuff to blend in with any Barefoot Massage session, or use as touch-up short sessions. Great if you work in a clinical setting like a chiropractors office, perfect for when you need that specific, no fluff detail work on the root of your clients pain.⁣
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Julie and I have some fine tuning to do before we submit this to the NCBTMB for approval, so wish us luck and stay tuned for when we offer this class again!⁣
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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗼𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝘁!

Did you know we offer barefoot massage mentoring?

Learning comes in layers. We hear, see, and learn something and think we understand it, but then, months or years later, we come across the same information and understand it differently or on a deeper level.

Whether you are a barefoot novice or a seasoned practitioner, our barefoot massage mentoring options can help you refine and enhance your barefoot massage skills, so you have the knowledge and confidence you need to establish a thriving barefoot massage practice.

We can also help you with business tips on how to build a thriving barefoot biz. With 23 years of barefoot experience we know a little bit!

If you’re interested in learning more, visit our Barefoot Massage Mentoring

We had a laid back Intermediate class this weekend with Caroline from Knoxville and our very own Casey!

They learned some amazing anterior and sidebody barefoot bodywork and we got to have lots of sole discussions 😊👣

They both learned barefoot 6 months ago.

Caroline fortunately already had bars up and got to practice as soon as she got back.

But Casey didn’t have bars and didn’t have a lot of opportunities to practice until she started two months ago. She couldn’t get people to let her do barefoot work on them… ⁉️

Once you start learning barefoot massage and see how much easier it is on your body, you’re all gung-ho to get back and try it on clients.

But what if, for whatever reasons, you’re having a difficult time getting the “feet on” time you need to progress and get better? 🤔 What do you do?

You need to practice, practice, practice some more on friends & family, retake a class, get some mentoring( ), trade with another barefoot therapist,etc to get your barefoot skills up to where your hands-on skills are.

The truth is, if your hands-on is better, smoother, more comfortable, why would they switch to paying for barefoot massage?!? They’re NOT.

But when your barefoot skills are BETTER than your hands-on, THEN you’re in a position to wow clients with your confident foot skills and they’re happy to pay for it. 🙌🏼

Then you just keep learning and getting more precise, detailed and specific with treating chronic pain and other tissue issues with your feet. Starting with Intermediate.

Stayed tuned for our 2024 schedule

Woohoo💃🏽🙌🏼🥰 We just upgraded all our treatment rooms with standard EZ clean bolsters!

They are so NICE! Expensive but good quality and they seem to retain their shape well versus the old yoga bolster I was using to the right.

They are amazing for side-lying bodywork and just a few inches longer for the tall guys with legs for days!

ECO PROPERTIES:
Eco Vinyl cover is heavy metal and phthalate free.

🧽Eco Vinyl can be wiped down and sanitized
🫗Very durable, stain and static resistant
💪🏽Exceptional firmness maintains structural integrity
🇺🇸Handmade with love in the USA

Have you signed up for our Intermediate barefoot massage class in September? Don’t wait its a popular class and my fav!🥰. Register now

My happy place &

Come hang out with Sara Newberry and Julie for Hot Ashi and Advance in July Durham campus! Only one spot left in Hot Ashi! 🔥🦶🏽

We are hosting Randy Cummings aka Black Swan Bodywork 😍👣

Barefoot Shiatsu: Lowering the Bar training

2 days, 14 CE, $400

October 6-7, 2023

Barefoot is mat work, integrating the use of elbows, feet, and knees for the purpose of applying sustained pressure to affect the fascia. It follows the general pathways of the classical meridians, focusing on typical stagnant and muscularly tight areas.

Techniques will be demonstrated in supine, prone and side-lying positions, emphasizing the fluidity of transition and the seamless rhythmic application of techniques.
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Students will enjoy the freedom of using the whole body, learn deep and relaxing techniques to benefit a wide range of clients, and learn strategies that take the burden off their thumbs and wrists.
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One of the advantages of this modality is its effectiveness, mobility, and ease of offering at sporting events, festivals, etc. All that is needed is a mat, a few yoga blocks, and a support staff.
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Students receive manual and video links to all in-class demos.

Link to website and registration @ https://www.ncashiatsu.com/othermassagecetrainings

We have one more spot left in our ROM(Range of Motion) class May 18-19 taught by Dawn .barefoot.massage

ROM uses passive, active and resisted range of motion techniques that can be included in your barefoot massage sessions on the table!

Class is 2 days, 16 CEs $500.

You can also review the 1st or 2nd day of class for $125/each day if you have previously taken our FasciAshi ROM class. Whether it’s to review the material or get extra “feetback” from the instructor on body mechanics 😉👣

Durham campus wants to provide our local barefoot therapists with opportunities to study with other CBM instructors so they can experience a variety of teaching styles and save $ so they won’t have to travel so far. So get in ROM while you still can!

Grab the last spot now for the Durham campus ROM class

It's a wrap! 3 days of learning, sweating, and barefoot 👣💕.

In my 15 years of teaching, I have NEVER had a student that has taken this class say they thought they could have learned this online. EVER.

Because you can't.

2 full days of giving and receiving the work, hearing it explained over and over, individual body mechanics corrections, seeing others go thru the process, business tips and more.

The last day, the best day in IMO, is working on workshop clients that have been receiving barefoot massage from an experienced barefoot massage therapist and getting their feedback.

And all of this takes place in a massage & bodywork studio specializing in barefoot. It's what we do every day. We practice what we teach.

Kudos to those who came and invested in their careers with an in-person barefoot massage class with NC Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage Training . We appreciate your trust in us and look forward to seeing you shine!

Our Alabama campus instructor, Sharon, came to Barefoot Massage to teach Fijian! If there’s a Center for Barefoot Massage class you want to take that we don’t teach, let’s us know and we’ll host the instructor so you can save travel $. We have Dawn coming from NY to teach ROM in July and stay tuned for other “barefoot” massage trainings coming soon!

Meet our newest therapists! 👩🏻‍🎓💫 This time they’re all from North Carolina and Virginia (cause I went to and in Durham to teach this class). We had a ton of fun and learned a whole new way to use our feet to do massage 👣💆🏻‍♀️ Can’t wait to see what these ladies do with their new barefoot skills! ✨

❤️ 👣 🏝️

During client intakes, I’m processing all this info, all their aches, pains and what they want me to look at. Then when it comes time to work on them, my mind goes…Which hand was that? Was it the R shoulder or the L? Who am I working on?🤯👀😆😂

Sometimes when your seeing 4,5, 6 or more clients a day, you lose track. At least I do, and it gets worse as you age, dang it!

Does this happen to you? 🤔

So I had this 💡while I was working on a client yesterday … lol this is when my creative juices flow! 1st thing this morning, I put a dry erase marker in my room.

And what do you know…

My 1st client comes in, “hey how you doing, what’s going on today” and he starts spouting off this list and I’m like “HOLD ON!” I grab the
marker and ✍️

The last note is from my last client. She’s sweet enough to always bring me a note with her “list of ailments”. I love it. 😂

How do you remember everything when clients come in with their “to do list”?

I wore this t-shirt yesterday, and two clients looked at it and said, “yep!” ☺️😂👣

I’m always encouraging my clients to find barefoot massage therapists where ever they go, but they have a hard time finding us. And settling for hands-on massage just doesn’t cut it when you’ve had a good barefoot massage!

I guess we are a rare breed! Or are we weird…👀🤔😆 Whatever we are, clients love the work, and I’d love to teach it to you!

Check out my classes @ NC Ashiatsu or find another instructor @ the Center for Barefoot Massage and let’s make barefoot massage easier to find!

Sometimes a small intimate class is the best! 👣😍

I had a blast with these ladies that came back to train Durham campus. They learned some serious side lying and supine skills to go back and wow their clients with!

Our next class is Fijian in April. It’s a portable & versatile barefoot technique that can be used as is, adapted to table work or adapted into existing matwork sessions.

A day in the life of a barefoot bodyworker…👣😍

1. Almost lost my balance doing hip compressions thru the sheet over a pair of silky granny panties 🙈😵‍💫 Clients always have to option to leave their underwear on but those things are dangerous! 🙈😆

2. Client remarks, “You left quite the “impression” on my ribs.” He had 🦓 from some myofascial intercostal work.

3. Client calls me Mrs Spock 😆

A day in the life of a barefoot bodyworker…👣😍

1. Almost lost my balance doing hip compressions thru the sheet over a pair of silky granny panties 🙈😵‍💫 Clients always have to option to leave their underwear on but those things are dangerous! 🙈😆

2. Client remarks, “You made quite the “impression” on my ribs.” He had 🦓 from some myofascial intercostal work. 😏

3. Client calls me Mrs Spock 😆